#AlcoholLeavesAMark: A Campaign to strengthen alcohol regulation in the Western Pacific Region

 

Alcohol leaves marks that cut deep—both visible and invisible - on health, on families, and on entire communities.

In the Western Pacific Region, alcohol-related harm is one of the biggest preventable killers, claiming almost one life every minute.

Yet the harms of alcohol are often hidden behind social norms, clever industrymarketing and low prices.

WHO’s #AlcoholLeavesAMark campaign shines a spotlight on these unseen harms.

By exposing the ripple effects of alcohol use, it seeks to engage policymakers, empower communities, mobilize advocates, strengthen health institutions to support for stronger policies that protect lives and secure a healthier future.


A campaign to reveal alcohol’s hidden harms


Alcohol harms extend far beyond the individual consumer.

The campaign shows how alcohol undermines health, disruptsfamilies, strains communities, and deepens inequities across the Region.

Through compelling visuals, stories, and evidence, #AlcoholLeavesAMark calls attention to the urgent need for stronger regulation and advocacy.

By doing so, it gives voice to families and communities who bear the brunt of alcohol’s consequences—and reminds us that alcohol harm is preventable.


Campaign Materials

Campaign Materials

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Behind the laughter and the clinking of glasses lies a harsher reality. This video reveals the hidden marks alcohol leaves behind—physical and emotional damage, dependence, deception, divided communities, violence and ultimately lost lives.

 

Bringing the voices together

The impact of alcohol is not confined to one person. Families, communities, policymakers, and advocates all have a role in rewriting the story. The campaign creates a shared space for these voices—amplifying evidence, stories, and lived experiences.

By working together, governments and partners across the Region can weave stronger protections against alcohol harm, ensuring that every community is safeguarded from preventable suffering.


Members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, UN representatives, key partners, special guests, and the WHO workforce gathered at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for a high-level event to mark World Health Day 2025.
© WHO / Romwell Mari N. Sanchez
Members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, UN representatives, key partners, special guests, and the WHO workforce gathered at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for a high-level event to mark World Health Day 2025.
© Credits
Mr Prak Puth Rotha gives consultation to a patient
© WHO / Tytaart
Mr Prak Puth Rotha gives consultation to a patient regarding a healthier approach for a healthier lifestyle.
© Credits

WHO’s role in alcohol regulation

The World Health Organization is supporting countries to strengthen alcohol regulation, drawing on global evidence and regional solidarity.

WHO provides:

  • Data and evidence on alcohol’s health and economic costs
  • Technical guidance on policies such as taxation, marketing restrictions, and availability control.
  • Campaign tools and advocacy support for governments and partners

Through this role, WHO helps Member States build momentum for stronger alcohol control measures that save lives and reduce inequalities.


WHO representatives and the Secretary of State visits the staff of the Sre Chea Health Centre
© WHO / Tytaart
WHO representatives and the Secretary of State visits the staff of the Sre Chea Health Centre, village chiefs, village health support group and Commune Committee for Women & Children (CCWC).
© Credits
Healthcare staff reviewing patient notes in the Mental Health Unit at Berakas Health Center.
© WHO / Yoshi Shimizu
Healthcare staff reviewing patient notes in the Mental Health Unit at Berakas Health Center.
© Credits

Actions for Member States and partners

Governments, civil society organizations, and communities are central to making the campaign real.

By adapting the materials, amplifying messages, and advancing policy reforms, they help ensure alcohol harms are no longer hidden and are effectively addressed.

  • Member States can strengthen regulations on pricing, marketing, and availability.
  • Civil society and advocacy groups can localize and disseminate campaign messages and mobilize communities.
  • Media and influencers can amplify evidence and stories to shift public perceptions.

Together, these actions can drive tangible changes.


Turning awareness into action

The campaign’s success depends on collective action. By working hand in hand—governments, partners, civil society, communities, families and individuals—we can reduce alcohol’s toll on health and society.

With collective voices and stronger regulations, the Western Pacific Region can move closer to a future where families and communities are free from the harms of alcohol, and where health is protected as a basic human right.


Resources